Southampton are facing a transfer battle for defender Yuki Sugawara, with Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, and Werder Bremen all interested in signing the 26-year-old. According to Absolut Fussball, Celtic are one of three clubs chasing Sugawara's signature this summer. The Japanese international has made 31 appearances in the Premier League, including 29 starts, contributing six assists. Sugawara signed for Southampton in the 2024 summer transfer window from AZ Alkmaar and has now returned to St. Mary's following the end of his loan spell with Werder Bremen. With the transfer window closing on 1 September, Sugawara could yet depart the club again on either a loan or permanent basis.
What happened? Celtic are believed to be keen on a deal for Sugawara before the transfer market closes on 1 September. However, the Premiership champions face competition from PSV Eindhoven, who are also eyeing a move for the right-back. Werder Bremen are also understood to be interested in a deal to bring the player back to the club for this season.
Why it matters for Southampton Southampton have reportedly placed a €7 (£6) million price tag on the 26-year-old, and it's been claimed that Werder Bremen are struggling to meet this figure. This gives the advantage to Celtic and PSV in the race for his signature, and a return to Dutch football could be a possibility.
What comes next? Sugawara made the move from Japan to Alkmar in 2019, and he went on to play 135 times in the Dutch top flight across five campaigns before signing for Southampton. The defender made 30 appearances in the Premier League for the Saints, and also played twice in the Championship, before signing on loan for Werder Bremen last summer.
Southampton's summer business Southampton have been reasonably quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, bringing in just a few fresh faces. Lewis Dobbin is the main new signing, with Southampton agreeing a deal to bring him in from Aston Villa on a permanent basis. Divin Mubama has also joined on loan from Manchester City, while George Long has arrived as a free agent. Meanwhile, the Saints also agreed permanent deals for Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, who spent last season on loan in Tonda Eckert's side. Sugawara is believed to be one of six Southampton players that the German coach is willing to part with before the market closes on 1 September.
Yuki Sugawara sale would be good business for Southampton It's clear that Sugawara is not part of Eckert's plans as he was not involved in the 2-1 loss to Watford last weekend. If the Saints can recoup up to £6 million for his sale, then that would be a good piece of business due to him not being in their plans. While it's possible that Sugawara could have an impact in the team if given game time, it's also reasonable to just cash in on this interest now. His sale could be a deal that works best for all parties, and a return to Dutch football or a switch to Scotland are both enticing options for the next step in Sugawara's career. As of 20 August 2026, Southampton are 24th in the Championship, -4 points, 0 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss from 1 game, with a recent form of L. They are 7 points behind leaders QPR and have a next fixture against Wrexham at home on 20 February 2027.
